An Open Letter to Obudu LG Chairman, Dr Peter Undiandeye, On the Rebirth of Bette, Otukalu New Yam Festival
By Esco AKPO
Dear Chairman,
On behalf of the good people of Obudu Local Government Area, I wish to express my profound gratitude to all sons and daughters, elders, women, youths, traditional rulers, and friends of Obudu who came out in grand style, to celebrate our New Yam Festival.
And most importantly my appreciation goes to one man, who’s signatory to this innovative project was made possible, the Hon. chairman of Obudu Local Government Area Hon. Dr. (AMB) Peter Akonfe Undiandeye KSM
My honorable chairman sir, you have already proven beyond reasonable doubts to be the true son of Agba, the Almighty God would continue to guard & protect you, ur family and ur office in Jesus name (Amen)
This year new yam festival 2026 has mark the re-born of our cultural heritage & the real history of BETTE, OTUKALU people
It’s shows exactly why cultural heritage & traditions of our ancestors would always remain our identity, unity & our strength as Bettee-Otukalu people
The display of rich Obudu cultural heritage, dances, and thanksgiving to God for a bountiful harvest was truly outstanding, in fact its was the best in recent years in Cross River state new yams festival celebrations. It can be described as one of its kind in Obudu land since 1973. We are, indeed, glad to have witnessed another rich cultural heritage in Obudu.
Not to be left out, are Obudu sons and daughters home and in Diaspora who have also witnessed a true historical background of their origin and can’t wait for next edition.
Mr chairman sir, you have written your name in gold as history would always remember you for the re-born of a historical cultural heritage that was death already for years just as the Obudu people would ever celebrate you as a history maker.
This celebration has shown that by historical background the Agba son’s are truly part of the foundation history in Africa , Nigeria and Cross River State due to our rich cultural diversity and languages ( dialects).
In this light, we suggest that, this cultural new yam festival should be pass into law immediately by the Local Government Executives, to make it a yearly routine for any Council Chairman from now hence fourth
By so doing , the Obudu new yam cultural festival would become a just a traditional festivity, but would soon be the focus of the State tourism heritage and the Nation at large
However, we appreciate our Royal Fathers, Obudu Traditional Rulers Council, Local Government Chairman, and Executive, Sponsors, and Security Agencies for making this event peaceful and successful.
May the blessings of the new yam bring food, peace, prosperity and long life to every home in Obudu and entire State Amen
Akpo Benafe Esco is a Sports Reporter with THE BEAGLE NEWS, one the leading Community-based newspaper in South South.
